Essential renovation do's and don'ts

About to embark on a home renovation? We've asked Shelley Brockliss, design manager from Yellowfox, what you should and shouldn't do to achieve the best results

With the right approach your renovation journey can architecture, building, cargo, cottage, estate, facade, home, house, neighbourhood, property, real estate, residential area, roof, siding, tree, window, gray, black — With the right approach your renovation journey can be smoother and more enjoyable.

Renovating your home is no small feat. While you can end up with the home of your dreams, there's also plenty that can go wrong along the way.

But don't get overwhelmed – with the right approach, the journey can be smoother and more enjoyable.

We've asked Design Manager Shelley Brockliss of Yellowfox what you should do, and what to avoid when renovating.

DO: Extensive planning and research

The most important thing to do with your renovation or new-build is plan, plan, plan. And find an expert to assist you from the start. It will save you so much time and in the long run, money. Not to mention reduce the stress around the countless decisions required on any project.

Engaging an expert designer up front will mean the collaboration can run smoothly from the very beginning of your project.

Because it is such an important relationship, I always say don’t just take any designer on – interview them first. Make sure that they are a good fit for your personality and style. Your interior designer is there to advise and challenge you, not take over the project.

"I would also recommend conducting your own research on the look & feel you are after for your designs. This way your brief to the designer will give them a strong direction from the start."

The most important thing to do with your architecture, building, cottage, estate, facade, home, house, material property, property, real estate, residential area, roof, siding, sky, wall, window, black — The most important thing to do with your renovation or new-build is plan, plan, plan.

Conduct your own research on the look & architecture, building, cargo, cottage, estate, facade, home, house, neighbourhood, property, real estate, residential area, roof, siding, tree, window, gray, black — Conduct your own research on the look & feel you are after for your designs.

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DON'T: Make ad-hoc changes

Establishing a design-direction is crucial to the cohesiveness of the end result…so be brave enough to trust the design as a whole. One of my biggest ‘don’t’s is to not randomly add design elements on a whim – you can’t just add on something in isolation. More often than not, these changes don’t work and can ruin the cohesiveness that successful design projects have.

You engage a designer from the start for that solidarity of vision. Nothing looks worse than when someone has randomly changed a design…the lack of thought, planning and process really stands out to me.

So how do you avoid this?

Like whatever you do in life, it’s all about planning and trying to get every element nailed from the start. Then standing strong behind that vision. Even if it takes another year to get it right, you'll be happy you did. Much of this will come from finding the right designer who you trust completely.

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DO: Compromise

Coming to a compromise on certain elements in your home is essential to getting the most from your budget.

You’ve got to compromise. A designer will help you balance all the elements and make decisions that prioritise what is most important to you.

Not sure where to begin? Try this…

If you have a wishlist, remember that as with most things in life, less is more. Your designer can help you focus on what is essential to the overall look and feel; they will know what to prioritise. Getting the bones right is essential and using the skills of your designer you will be able to balance the budget wisely and seamlessly across the entire project specification.

If you have a wishlist, remember that as apartment, building, condominium, furniture, home, house, interior design, property, real estate, room, gray, black, white — If you have a wishlist, remember that as with most things in life, less is more.

Plan what you need, even if you have building, cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, dining room, floor, flooring, furniture, hardwood, home, house, interior design, kitchen, laminate flooring, property, real estate, room, table, wood, wood flooring, white — Plan what you need, even if you have to wait a year until the next sale event!

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DON'T: Impulse buy

We've all been there before, but Brockliss advises against getting drawn in to purchasing products without being sure they'll work in the confines of your home.

Similar to not changing your plan or designs at the last minute…don’t make the mistake of buying things because they’re on sale. Plan what you need, even if you have to wait a year until the next sale event! Then you'll know exactly what you need for the space and can buy accordingly.

Most designers have access to trade discounts so it can be beneficial to take advantage of these discounts for products that have been designed for the space rather than forcing a design around something you have already purchased.

Your purchase might seem appealing now, but will that turn to regret later?

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With the right amount of planning, restraint and compromise you'll be on your way to a successful build or renovation.

Now get out there, find an amazing designer and make your home magic!

Story by: Loukas Tsitsiridakis

21 Jun, 2020

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